Perspectives Winter/Spring-2017

facilitated optimum psychological well-being to maximize the efficacy of therapies. This brings me to a point that stands out in my mind. The new north tower of Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) has rooms facing north and south. The south-facing rooms look directly over the Pulse nightclub. When I went to evaluate a patient one morning, I realized the patient had a remarkably good view of the Pulse. Not surprisingly, the patient realized it as well. Not putting the survivors in these rooms, to me, seemed like com- mon sense. This entire experience was a learning curve for the entire interdisciplinary team, and served as yet another opportunity for growth on our part. Fortunately, the issue was quickly remedied. Aside from the therapies and the psychological support the survivors received, there were unique logistical considerations. Many celebrities and survivors of other tragic events visited the hospital to provide support for the Pulse survivors on an almost daily basis. Combine these lengthy visits with 10 or 12 Pulse sur- vivors in rehab at the same time, the three-hour-a-day rehab requirement, and 20-plus therapists’ schedules. Suddenly, every- thing becomes a challenge. Do you tell the Boston marathon survivor to get out of the room so you can start therapy on a Pulse victim? No, that’s not the answer. There really isn’t an answer. The sum of everything I’ve shared to this point is that we, as a team of survivors, therapists, nurses, and doctors, did the best we could in a situation that was new and unfamiliar to us. The survivors met their goals, crossed the rehab finish line, and were discharged to a community full of uncommon love and support. I recently had the opportunity to take one of the survivors—my former patient and now friend—out to lunch to catch up. I told him I would be writing this article and asked him if he had anything he’d like for me to share about his experience. He simply said, “Getting shot feels like a hot smack.” Did his lack of wanting to elaborate perhaps speak to his desire to return to a new normal? I didn’t press the issue. I had intended to pay the check when it came, only to find out someone had already taken care of it. The person, who wished to remain anonymous, requested that our waitress wish us good health. Hateful acts precipitate many things, but the healing on all fronts and in all facets that follows showcases, in jarring contrast, the best qualities we as humans possess. n COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE SCIENCES • 13